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Lexus ES Reliability Grade

AOverall

Excellent reliability

EngineA
TransmissionA

Grade a specific Lexus ES

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Lexus ES earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 332 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Lexus ES reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2000B+2001A2002C-2003C+2004C+2005C+2006A-2007C2008A-2009A2010A2011A2012A2013A2014A2015A2016A2017A2018A2019A2020A2021A2022A2023A2024A

Best years: 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Lexus ES last?

220,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Lexus ES problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Lexus ES, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See ES problems

Lexus ES vs. other luxury vehicles

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Lexus RX A A A
Lexus ES A A A
Lexus GS A- A A
Lexus NX A A A
BMW 5 Series B A- A-
Audi A4 B+ A A-
BMW 3 Series B- B+ B+
BMW X3 B- B+ B+
Mercedes-Benz C-Class B A- B+
Mercedes-Benz E-Class B+ A- B+
Audi Q5 B A- B+
Mercedes-Benz GLC C+ B+ B
Mercedes-Benz GLE B B B
Acura RDX B+ B B
BMW X5 C C+ C+
Acura MDX B- D C
Acura TLX C D C-

Most reliable luxury vehicles →

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Lexus ES reliability FAQ

Is the Lexus ES reliable?

Excellent reliability. The Lexus ES earns an A overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an A for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 1st of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. Its engine (A) and transmission (A) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 332 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Lexus ES last?

We estimate a well-maintained Lexus ES lasts around 220,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Lexus ES?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Lexus ES model years are 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

What Lexus ES years should I avoid?

No Lexus ES model year stands out as a problem year in NHTSA owner complaints.

Is the Lexus ES transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Lexus ES transmission an A (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Lexus ES engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Lexus ES engine an A (excellent reliability).